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When your most important financial affairs are in order – your emergency fund is ready, you have paid off all your utang, and you have met your savings goals – you may start thinking about how else you can grow your hard-earned money. Instead of just letting your ipon sit idly in your bank account, one option worth exploring to grow your money is to try your hand at investing.
According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, investing is the process of buying assets that increase in value over time, with a goal of generating income or selling for a profit. Some people think that investing is only for the wealthy or those with millions of pesos in the bank, but that is not necessarily the case. Depending on the investment product, you can get started with as little as PHP 100.
Of course, investing is not as simple as putting money away and watching it grow. Different investment options come with varying levels of risk and potential returns. Some are better suited for beginners who prefer more predictable earnings, while others offer greater growth potential but carry a higher risk of losing money.
How to choose the best investment tool for you
Once you have a good understanding of basic investment jargon, there are important considerations to keep in mind before investing your money.
First, the Bureau of Treasury (BTr) recommends knowing your risk appetite – how comfortable you are with the possibility of losing money in exchange for potential returns. Some people prefer lower-risk investments, even if the earnings are more modest, while others are willing to take on greater risks for potentially higher returns. The BTr offers a Risk Tolerance Calculator that can help you get a better idea of your risk profile.
Next, consider your financial goals and time horizon, or how long you can keep your money invested before you will need it. The BTr recommends matching the timeline of your investments with your financial goals. For example, simply saving money in your bank account can help achieve your shorter-term financial goals, while investments with a longer time horizon may be more suitable for medium- to long-term goals.
By understanding your risk appetite and financial goals, you can narrow down your options and choose investments that better suit your needs.
Explore your investment options
Ready to take your first step into investing? Here are some investment tools available for Filipinos, along with key information for each.
Before investing, research each product carefully and check its latest terms, fees, and minimum investment requirements. Most importantly, only invest money you can afford to set aside, and choose an option that matches your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Philippine stocks
Risk level: High (stock prices fluctuate significantly)
Minimum investment: PHP 100
Best for: Investors with a longer time horizon who are willing to accept market fluctuations in pursuit of potential growth
What it is: Shares of ownership in publicly listed companies on the Philippine Stocke Exchange (PSE). Investors may earn through price appreciation and dividends, but stock prices can rise or fall, and losses are possible.
Pag-IBIG MP2 Savings
Risk level: Very low (government-guaranteed)
Minimum investment: PHP 500
Best for: Investors looking for long-term savings (5-year maturity period) with higher dividends than regular savings
What it is: A government-backed savings program that allows eligible Pag-IBIG members to earn dividends on their savings over a five-year period. Dividends vary each year and are not guaranteed.
Time deposits
Risk level: Low
Minimum investment: PHP 1,000
Best for: Beginners who want predictable interest earnings and can set aside their money for a fixed period, which can be as short as three months depending on the bank
What it is: A bank deposit that earns a fixed or agreed-upon interest rate for a set period, such as CIMB Bank PH’s MaxSave next-gen time deposit. Money is generally less accessible before maturity, and early withdrawal may result in penalties or reduced interest earnings.
Mutual funds and Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF)
Risk level: Low to High (depending on the fund type)
Minimum investment: PHP 1,000
Best for: Beginners who want to spread their money across different investments without having to select or manage each one themselves
What it is: Investment products that pool money from multiple investors to invest in assets such as stocks, bonds, or money market instruments. These are managed by investment professionals, making them an option for those who want a diversified portfolio without choosing the individual investments on their own.
Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs)
Risk level: Low (government-backed)
Minimum investment: PHP 5,000
Best for: Investors who want regular interest income (quarterly) and are comfortable lending their money to the government
What it is: Government debt securities that allow you to lend money to the Philippine government in exchange for regular interest payments, usually every quarter, and the return of your principal at maturity, subject to the bond’s terms.
Take your first step towards investing
Investing may seem intimidating at first, but starting big isn’t your only option. Starting small allows you to learn the ropes, build your confidence, and gradually grow your funds until you become more comfortable to make bigger investments.
Start with what you can afford, take the time to do your research, and remember that the best investment may not necessarily be the one with the highest return. It is the one that fits your goals, financial situation, and comfort with risk.
